Nicky Butt

Lore & Background

Butt began his career at Manchester United as an important part of their youth team before turning professional in 1993. He made his first-team debut in the 1992–93 season as a substitute against Oldham Athletic in a 3–0 Premier League win on 21 November 1992. He got his big break in the 1994–95 season, often covering for Roy Keane. He was part of the batch of young players dubbed Fergie's Fledglings, including David Beckham, Gary Neville, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes. Butt earned a PFA Team of the Year award in 1997–98. He played the whole of the 1999 Champions League Final due to Roy Keane being suspended. He handed in a transfer request in January 2004 and was signed by Bobby Robson for Newcastle United in July 2004 for £2.5 million. He had a disappointing 2004–05 season and was loaned to Birmingham City in 2005–06. He walked out on manager Steve Bruce in February 2006 after finding out Bruce placed his son Alex Bruce in the squad ahead of him, and was later fined two weeks wages. He returned to Newcastle and captained the side in the 2009–10 season, winning the Championship title. He announced his retirement in the build-up to Newcastle's last home game against Ipswich Town. He signed for South China on 22 November 2010 and scored from a free kick in his first match.

In Their Own Story

The rain lashed down on Old Trafford in late autumn, turning the pitch into a slick surface under the floodlights. Nicky Butt wiped mud from his visor, staring at the ball at his feet. There was no glamour here, just the grind of breaking up play and finding Scholes with a simple pass. Around him, the roar of the crowd faded into white noise; this was war, fought in the middle third where he knew every inch of turf better than anyone else.

Reader's Guide

Butt played as a midfielder. He was a steady replacement for Roy Keane as the midfield ball winner. He functioned as a holding midfielder at Newcastle, allowing others to go forward. He captained Newcastle in the 2009–10 season, his first outside the top flight.

Did You Know?

• Butt earned 39 caps for England between 1997 and 2004 and was chosen for the 2002 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2004.
• He won the Hong Kong League Cup with South China.
• Butt lifted the Championship trophy alongside vice-captain Alan Smith after Newcastle won promotion in 2009–10.
• He featured in Gary Neville's testimonial against Juventus on 24 May 2011 in central midfield alongside Paul Scholes.